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Amidst Adversity: Scientific Breakthroughs of 2025

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Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

In 2025, science faces numerous challenges, ranging from vaccine skepticism within the U.S. government to the ongoing global inertia in addressing climate change. Those who value logic and empirical evidence must rally against this growing adversity. New Scientist not only highlights these issues but also celebrates the awe and curiosity elicited by space exploration.

As you prepare to indulge in the joyful festivities represented in our Double Vacation issue, it’s essential to recognize the threats encountered by those passionate about science. The past year has been riddled with stark instances of scientific principles being distorted and misapplied.

The degradation of U.S. scientific integrity under President Donald Trump is glaring, even for those outside the country (see “Donald Trump and Elon Musk jeopardize science in 2025”). For many years, the U.S. has been a significant funder of scientific research, benefiting both the nation and many others. However, that narrative shifted dramatically this year. By severely cutting funding (or, in Elon Musk’s case, going as far as using a chainsaw), numerous breakthroughs will remain undiscovered, essential medicines will go untested, and technological advancements will stagnate, ultimately impoverishing us.

While government funding is crucial, it’s not the sole source. Two articles this year underscore the risks inherent in relying on corporate interests for scientific funding. If you are a regular reader of New Scientist, you may have encountered Colossal Biosciences, a U.S. company that claims to work on “de-extinction” of endangered species (see “De-extinction of endangered species captivated 2025, yet fell short of expectations”). One of their most talked-about acts this year was the introduction of genetically modified gray wolves named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

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Results may take time, but science exists to serve, save, and delight us all.
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Colossal asserted that these were the first extant dire wolves since their extinction 10,000 years ago—a claim fervently endorsed by global media despite backlash from independent scientists. In the ongoing struggle between fact and spectacle, it seems the latter continues to prevail.

A similar scenario unfolded in a British documentary that aired in November, entitled Hitler’s DNA: The Dictator’s Blueprint. Although the scientists succeeded in identifying and sequencing the genome of the infamous dictator, the sensationalistic interpretations asserting potential schizophrenia or autism cast doubt on the credibility of their findings. While the documentary and its distressing headlines have faded, the scientific paper that would allow us to critically assess the study’s conclusions is still forthcoming.

On another front, progress in climate action is evident. Science and public policy have been effectively aligned since the Paris Agreement, which was designed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. Unfortunately, it appears this goal is not being realized.

The Paris Agreement includes a “ratchet” mechanism aimed at holding nations accountable for making new commitments every five years to combat climate change. Regrettably, about 95% of countries failed to meet their deadlines by February, with only around 60% making progress before the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, in November.

The retreat didn’t stop there. As we approached the end of 2024, we urged Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to “take the stage with solemn world leaders who have concrete plans to improve and publicly recognize the failures of the COP process thus far.” Yet, countries could not even reach a consensus on the inclusion of “fossil fuels” in the final COP30 document.

But let’s shift focus from the gloom for a moment. After all, it’s a festive time, and there’s much to celebrate! Another significant theme of 2025 is the centennial of quantum mechanics, extensively covered in our special issue in April. The year concludes with the exciting revelation that a thought experiment conceived by Einstein and Bohr has come to fruition (see “Quantum experiment resolves century-long tension between Einstein and Bohr”). This certainly confirms the strangeness of quantum mechanics!

Other delightful news in 2025 includes the ongoing success of GLP-1 medications not only aiding weight loss but also treating a myriad of conditions (see “The transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs skyrocketed in 2025”) and, in perhaps a playful twist, individuals being able to perceive entirely new colors (see “New colors witnessed by people for the first time in 2025”).

This issue offers an enticing array of content to please both your palate and your intellect during the holiday season. If you’re in the mood for a fresh take on Charles Dickens, explore “How Three Imaginary Physics Demons Tear the Laws of Nature Apart,” which tells the tale of three demons haunting a physicist. As you unwind after another frenetic year, consider a novel approach to meditation for those with limited time (see “Too Busy to Meditate? Microdosing Mindfulness Packs Major Health Benefits”). Learn about the top careers in science at the Touch and Tickle lab, with insights on “What the Evolution of Tickling Reveals About Being Human.” Finally, why not quench your thirst with the world’s oldest beer (see: “Did ancient peoples begin farming to increase their beer consumption?”)?

As we set our sights on 2026 and the challenges that lie ahead, let’s not forget the immense power and wonder that science holds. Despite skepticism and negativity, scientific research and the knowledge it imparts remain unrivaled in understanding and improving our world. Though it may take time to witness results—much like the century-spanning gap between Einstein and Bohr’s debate and its resolution—science exists to serve, save, and bring joy to us all.

Here’s to hoping for better fortune in the coming year, or at the very least, a more advantageous outcome from random chance.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors Breakthroughs in Molecular Architecture

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Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi are honored with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

The 2025 Chemistry Award recognizes Beijing U, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their innovative work on materials featuring cavities that can absorb and release gases like carbon dioxide, also known as metal-organic frameworks.

Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry, stated, “A small sample of such material can function like Hermione’s bag from Harry Potter.”

Tens of thousands of metal frameworks are currently in exploration. These materials present various potential applications, from capturing CO2 emissions to permanently purifying chemicals and extracting water from the atmosphere.

In the late 1980s, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne pioneered the first metal-organic framework, drawing inspiration from the structural organization of diamonds. He discovered the feasibility of using metal ions as junctions connected by carbon-based or organic molecules.

When metal ions and organic compounds combine, they naturally form an organized framework. While the cavity in the diamond structure is petite, metal framework cavities can be significantly larger.

Robson’s metal-organic framework was initially filled with water. Kitagawa from Kyoto University in Japan was the first to devise a framework robust enough to retain stability when dried, allowing for gas to occupy the empty cavities.

“He demonstrated that gas could be absorbed, retained, and released by the material,” remarked Olof Ramström of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry.

Kitagawa also developed an organic-metal framework that changes form depending on gas absorption and release.

Omar Yaghi, from the University of California, Berkeley, achieved a more stable framework using clusters of zinc and oxygen metal ions along with linkers featuring carboxylate groups.

“This framework was remarkable due to its stability, enduring temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius,” Ramström noted. “What’s even more impressive is that it possesses a vast surface area. Just a few grams of this porous material equate to the surface area of a large soccer field, similar to that of a small sugar cube.”

Yaghi also revealed that the cavities within these materials can be enlarged merely by extending their lengths.

Following these significant advancements, the field has seen rapid growth, as Ramström stated, “We are witnessing the development of new metal-organic frameworks almost on a daily basis.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakthroughs in Huntington’s Disease: Essential Insights on Gene Therapy

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The caudate nucleus is one of the brain regions that gene therapy targets

Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library

Innovative gene therapy has emerged as the pioneering treatment that effectively slows the progression of Huntington’s disease. While the results are still in their early stages, this method holds significant promise and could even pave the way for new therapies for other neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

How does the treatment function?

The therapy known as AMT-130 specifically targets the abnormal brain proteins associated with Huntington’s disease progression. Those affected by the condition possess genetic mutations that result in the accumulation of huntingtin proteins, which form toxic aggregates in brain cells, leading to cell death. This eventually manifests as memory loss, mobility issues, speech impairment, and various other symptoms.

Therapies from the Dutch biopharmaceutical company Uniqure aim to halt the production of these mutant proteins. The process involves delivering genetic material to brain cells using a harmless virus. This genetic material instructs the cells to produce small RNA molecules called microRNAs that effectively block and eliminate the signals that lead to the generation of toxic proteins. It acts similarly to a molecular stop signal.

Procedures and Location of Treatment

This therapy initially focuses on two specific brain areas impacted by Huntington’s disease: the caudate nucleus and the putamen. These regions are located deep within the brain, requiring doctors to utilize real-time brain imaging to navigate thin catheters into place. The entire procedure duration ranges from 12 to 18 hours, and preliminary results suggest that a single injection may be adequate to permanently reduce levels of mutant huntingtin in the brain.

What is the efficacy of gene therapy?

Initial findings released by Uniqure indicate that gene therapy may slow the advancement of Huntington’s disease by approximately 75%.

The revelation stems from a clinical trial spearheaded by Sarah Tabrizi of University College London, where 17 Huntington patients received high-dose treatment. After three years, researchers noted the deterioration in cognitive function, motor skills, and daily activities compared to a similar group of untreated individuals. Tabrizi remarked that the decline typically observed over a year in untreated patients was instead noted within four years for those receiving treatment. BBC News. Additionally, those treated exhibited reduced levels of proteins associated with brain damage in their cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting the potential of gene therapy in slowing Huntington’s progression.

“These findings reaffirm our conviction that AMT-130 could revolutionize the treatment landscape for Huntington’s disease,” stated Walid Abi-Saad from Uniqure in a press release.

Are there any side effects?

While Uniqure has not provided comprehensive data on the side effects of the treatment, initial reports suggest that the drug appears to be safe and well-tolerated. The most frequently reported side effects included headaches and confusion, which generally resolved with steroid treatment to reduce inflammation.

When will the treatment be accessible?

In a recent press announcement, Uniqure indicated that it anticipates submitting an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration early next year, with the potential for product availability as soon as before 2027 with expedited approval.

“However, it is still in the preliminary phase, and further testing is necessary to assess the long-term effects of this new gene therapy and any potential side effects,” noted Zofia Miedzybrodzka from the University of Aberdeen, UK, in a statement.

Could this method assist in treating other brain disorders?

If successful, the gene therapy could facilitate the development of analogous treatments for various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia, according to David Rubinsztein from Cambridge University. Researchers could manipulate genetic material to target the toxic proteins that cause these conditions. “This could represent a significant breakthrough,” he remarked.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakthroughs in Body Clock Measurement Help Reduce Shift Work-Related Illnesses

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EMS's ambulance team delivers medical aid to injured individuals and transports them on stretchers. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the traffic accident site.

Cemetery shifts earn their name for a reason. Individuals working night shifts face heightened health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. The World Health Organization has identified shift work as a potential carcinogen, given the increased likelihood of cancer.

While the rest of us are asleep, these night workers often go unnoticed, yet their efforts are vital to the medical and emergency services on which we rely. Though we depend on them for our very survival, the irony lies in how their work impacts their own health.

This situation could evolve with the advent of a test that accurately measures one’s internal biological clock in relation to external time (see “How innovative new tests can unleash the power of your body clock”). Such advancements in medicine promise to benefit a larger population.

Research indicates that many frequently used medications affect the body’s system, which operates on a 24-hour cycle, and are more effective when administered in harmony with this rhythm. Surgeries and vaccinations also yield better results at specific times of the day. Initial strategies often rely on standardized biological clocks, but for those whose circadian rhythms are misaligned, this approach may prove ineffective or even detrimental. This is where the new tests come into play.

Night workers may remain in the shadows, yet they are the backbone of essential services we all rely on.

Fortunately, these tests are expected to become more affordable and widely accessible. However, there is a concern that they could be misused by those anxiously trying to optimize their health, perhaps alongside other fitness metrics like step counts (refer to page 16).

The genuine potential lies in using these tests to gain insights into the biological processes of those in challenging situations, ensuring that in the future, the effects of nighttime work and improved strategies for managing shift patterns are addressed. One day, your biological clock may finally align with the external clock.

This could mitigate the health repercussions associated with night shifts and provide these employees with a chance to revitalize their lives. Employers must recognize this opportunity.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Achieve Breakthroughs in Crystal Bit Manipulation Accuracy

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A group of physicists from Oxford University has accomplished the lowest error rate (just 0.000015%, or one error in 6.7 million operations) in quantum logic operations.

Ion trap chip rendering. Image credit: Jocchen Wolf and Tom Harty of Oxford University.

“As far as we know, this is the most accurate qubit manipulation ever reported globally,” stated Professor David Lucas from Oxford University.

“This represents a crucial milestone in constructing a practical quantum computer capable of solving real-world problems.”

To conduct meaningful calculations on quantum computers, millions of operations must engage numerous qubits.

Consequently, if the error rate is excessively high, the end result of the computation becomes useless.

Error correction techniques can address mistakes, but they require additional qubits, which come at a cost.

By minimizing errors, new methodologies decrease the number of qubits needed, leading to a reduction in both the cost and size of the quantum computer itself.

“By significantly decreasing the chances of errors, this advancement will greatly lessen the infrastructure necessary for error correction, paving the way for future quantum computers to be smaller, faster, and more efficient,” said Molly Smith, a graduate student at Oxford University.

“Kitz’s precise control is beneficial for other quantum technologies, including timepieces and quantum sensors.”

This groundbreaking accuracy was attained using trapped calcium ions as qubits.

These ions are ideal candidates for storing quantum information due to their longevity and resilience.

Researchers adopted an alternative method, using electron (microwave) signals to manage the quantum states of calcium ions instead of traditional lasers.

This technique is more stable than laser control and offers several advantages for constructing practical quantum computers.

For instance, electronic control is less expensive and more robust than lasers, facilitating easier integration into ion trap chips.

Moreover, the experiment was conducted at room temperature and without magnetic shielding, simplifying the technical necessities of operating quantum computers.

“This record-setting achievement signifies a significant milestone, but it is part of a larger challenge,” the author remarked.

“In quantum computing, both single and two-qubit gates must function together.”

“Currently, the gates of the two-qubit systems still experience a very high error rate, approximately 1 in 2,000 even in the best demonstration to date.

Their paper has been published online in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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MC Smith et al. 2025. Single qubit gate with errors at the 10-7 level. Phys. Rev. Lett, in press; doi: 10.1103/42w2-6ccy

Source: www.sci.news

Michel Taragran awarded 2024 Abel Prize for breakthroughs in understanding randomness in mathematics

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Michel Taragrand: “Life is horribly random.”

Peter Budge/Typos1/Abel Prize 2024

Michel Taragran won the 2024 Abel Prize, also known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics, for his work on probability theory and the description of randomness. The news came as a surprise to Taragrand. He learned what he thought was his Zoom call within the department. He said: “My brain completely shut down for five seconds. It was an amazing experience. I never expected anything like this.”

Tara GrandBased at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), he has spent much of his 40-year career on extreme characterization of random or stochastic systems. These problems are common in the real world. For example, a bridge builder may need to know the maximum wind strength expected from the local weather.

Such random systems are often very complex and may contain many random variables, but Talagrand’s method of converting these systems into geometric problems allows us to extract useful values. can. “He is a master at getting accurate estimates, and he knows exactly what to add or subtract to get an accurate estimate,” he says. Helge HoldenChairman of the Abel Prize Committee.

Taragrand also developed mathematical tools and equations for systems that are random but exhibit some degree of predictability within that randomness, a statistical principle called concentration of measurements. His equation, known as the Taragrand inequality, can be used for many systems that exhibit concentration of measurements. Asaf Naor At Princeton University, he developed famous algorithmic puzzles such as the Traveling Salesman Problem. “Not only is he a great discoverer in his own right, but he is also an influence. He has provided the world with an amazing collection of insights and tools,” Naor says.

Perhaps inspired by his own work, Taragrand says he views his career as a random process. “It’s really scary when you look at your life and the important things that happened. They were determined by small random influences and there was no plan at all,” he says.

Although many of his works were general, he also had a particular interest in the mathematical basis of spin glasses. Spin glass is an unusual magnetic arrangement in which the atoms of a material can act like tiny magnets, pointing in random directions and exhibiting no apparent order. Repeating crystal structure in ordinary glass.

“This award is definitely well-deserved,” he says Giorgio Parisi from Sapienza University in Rome, Italy, won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on spin glasses. Parisi and his colleagues first proposed a formula to describe these materials, named after Parisi, but it was not proven mathematically until the work of Taragrand and Italian physicist Francesco Guerra. . “It’s one thing to believe that a guess is correct, but it’s another to prove it. I believed it was a very difficult problem to prove,” Parisi says.

It also helped draw the field to the attention of other mathematicians, Parisi said. “This was a great proof and completely changed the game, because it was the starting point for a deeper understanding of the theory.”

For Taragrand, one of the keys to success was persistence. “You can’t learn mathematics easily. You have to work. It takes a lot of time and you have bad memories. You forget things. So despite these handicaps, I have to work. My way of working has always been to try to understand simple things really well.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Most Anticipated Scientific Breakthroughs of 2024 |BBC Science Focus Magazine

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If 2023 is any indication, 2024 is poised to be a year of breakthroughs across all areas of science. From cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence to revolutionary discoveries in health and space exploration, here’s a look at what to expect in science in 2024.

Things are looking up: Space in 2024

If all goes well, humans will return to the moon for the first time in 50 years in 2024. NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in late 2024 and will carry a crew of four, including the first woman and person of color to participate in a moon mission.

Additionally, NASA’s Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and Ocean Ecosystems (PACE) satellite mission is scheduled to launch early this year. It aims to collect data that will help scientists measure the health of Earth’s oceans.

The long-delayed debut of ESA’s Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is scheduled for mid-2024. And in October, NASA’s Europa Clipper will begin a journey to one of Jupiter’s icy moons to investigate the possibility of life.

Prior to that, the Jupiter Ice Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft, launched by ESA in 2023 on a similar mission, is scheduled to perform its first Moon-Earth flyby a few months earlier, in August of this year.

Meanwhile, for those of us stuck on Earth, a total solar eclipse will hit Mexico, Canada, and the United States on April 8th, making it the last one to hit the continental United States until 2044.

This year also marks the bisection of Halley’s Comet’s 76-year orbit. This means that Halley’s Comet will reach its furthest point from Earth before beginning its return journey.

Artemis II (LR) Crew member and pilot of American astronaut Victor Glover. Reed Wiseman, Commander. Christina Hammock Koch, Mission Specialist. Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen (rear) poses with the Artemis II crew module. – Photo credit: Getty

New frontiers in health and medicine

Following the attention given to the weight-loss drug semaglutide in 2023, a phase 3 trial of a similar anti-diabetic drug, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), is expected to yield results towards the end of 2024.

Advances in CRISPR therapy are also expected after the gene editing tool was approved in the UK in November 2023 for the treatment of sickle cell disease and the blood disease beta-thalassemia. It is then expected to be approved in the United States by March 2024.

Transplant medicine also appears to be reaching new heights. In fact, biotech company EGenesis suggested earlier this year that gene-edited pig organs could be donated to human babies in need of transplants.

We also need to see how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve cancer diagnosis, test the effectiveness of new cancer treatments and drug combinations, and see the results of clinical trials of vaccines against HIV and malaria. be.

technology outlook

There has been a lot of speculation about OpenAI’s next project, and although nothing has been officially announced, an update to its Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) model is expected.

Generative AI will continue to find new applications in research and everyday life. The future technology for VR and gaming is shaping up to be interesting as tech giants pour resources into mixed reality.

This year, advances in fundamental areas of human life, from medicine to infrastructure, will be matched and enhanced by breakthroughs in robotics, smart materials, and eco-materials.

We expect more advanced robots that can perform microscopic operations inside the body, buildings that react to changing weather conditions, improved solar cells, and more. Some of these may be created with his 4D printer, which uses smart materials to create objects that can change shape.

Science in 2024: Culture

science fiction glasses

Movies in 2024 will be dominated by book adaptations, reboots, and sequels. alien to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. But what really caught our eye is the sequel.

inside out 2 We are committed to tackling the mental health of teenagers, and our first work explored the minds of children. We also return to your question about extraterrestrial terraforming. Dune: Part 2.

Inside Head 2: Fear, Sadness, Anger, Joy, Disgust, Anxiety take on new challenges. – Photo credit: Alamy

game changer

AI will greatly enhance camera operations at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Facial recognition is prohibited, but AI surveillance can help detect abandoned items and suspicious activity in large groups.

artificial politics

In 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned the U.S. Congress about the risks AI poses to politics, but amid a rise in political deepfakes, there are growing concerns about generative AI’s ability to mislead. Concerns are growing. Still, several important elections are scheduled to take place in 2024, including the US presidential election.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com